Antiviral and Immunoregulatory Role Against PCV2 of Chinese Herbal Medicinal Ingredients.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the research was to investigate the antiviral and immunoregulatory effects of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, Panax notoginseng saponins, notoginsenoside R1, and anemoside B4 saponins commonly found in Chinese herbal medicines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

control mice were challenged intramuscularly (im) with 0.2 mL of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) solution containing 10 TCID of the virus/mL. Mice of high-, middle-, and low-dose saponin groups were initially challenged im with 0.2 mL of PCV2 solution and three days later treated intraperitoneally (ip) with one of five saponins at one of three doses (10, 5, or 1 mg/kg b.w.). In the drug control group, mice were dosed ip with 10 mg/kg b.w. of a given saponin, and mice in a blank control group were administered the same volume of normal saline.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the saponins could reduce the incidence and severity of PCV2-induced immunopathological damage, . body temperature elevation, weight loss, anaemia, and internal organ swelling. In addition, it was seen that the saponins could affect the immunoglobulin levels and protein absorption.

CONCLUSION

The data suggested that the saponins might effectively regulate immune responses.